Historically, National Geographic’s National Geographic magazine has continued to introduce new features. Through photographic works and issue articles, it conveys important information from all over the world to readers, penetrates every corner of the globe, and explores the ecological environment and current social events.

On the cover of the new June issue of the magazine, they used a shocking picture to portray the earth crisis we face. A tip of iceberg appears on the surface of the sea. At first glance, it seems to tell the current situation of the old-fashioned global warming. However, when we see the bottom, we can only realize its true appearance.

Planet or Plastic?

The original sea level is not a glimpse of an iceberg. It is a plastic bag that has surfaced. The cover placard says “ Earth or plastic? ” and annotated: “ Every year nearly 18 billion pounds of waste goes to the sea, and this is only the tip of the iceberg. ” Telling us that the primary difficulty we face is the subsequent impact of plastic on humans and the environment. If we do not change or accept the facts, the earth will eventually be covered by plastic.

In the past, we have shared with readers the new environmental protection campaigns that have been launched abroad. Following the boycott of plastic straws , we are promoting the same concepts and calling for public attention to the ecological environment. Maybe, you will feel that there is no direct connection between using plastic instead of plastic, but after the plastic waste flows into the ocean, it will be broken down into tiny debris, eaten by ignorant sea creatures, and finally put on the seafood in the dining table. It hides the chemicals you can't see. It has carcinogenic or toxic substances that accumulate for a long period of time and cause health damage.

"One bag can kill more than once"

The photographer John Cancalos photographed a picture of a mantis wrapped in a plastic bag in a Spanish garbage dump. A plastic bag that looks like no lethality could cause the creature to suffocate or become a trap. The photographer successfully rescued it but could not guarantee the future fate of other birds. This may be different from our common understanding. In addition to marine life, the plastic crisis has covered all of the ecology.

In addition, photographer Jordi Chias caught a picture of the red hawksbill turtle being trapped by the old fishnet and almost suffocating death. Photographer Justin Hofman photographed the seahorse holding a plastic cotton swab. In another photo, hermit crabs use plastic caps instead of shells to protect themselves. By the end of 2015, the world has already produced 6.9 billion tons of plastic waste, of which only 9% were recycled, 12% were burned, and the remaining 79% still accumulated in the environment. It is reported that up to 700 species of marine life have been eaten or wrapped in plastic.

Through the works of several outstanding photographers, we will lead readers to rethink the relationship between us and plastics, and reflect on our thinking. Through different angles of view, from the corner of the earth to the plastic crisis at this moment, I believe you will regain some insight. The National Geographic continues to bring amazing and shocking information to the world. The truth that we do not want to face is affecting the Earth and humanity step by step. The earth needs you and me to maintain together.

Photo from https://www.instagram.com/natgeo/